Raptors’ Darko Rajakovic gives props to Toronto for tough team win over Wizards appeared first on ClutchPoints. Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Darko Rajaković has Toronto Raptors fans believing this team can win in more ways than one. That’s after guiding his squad to a gritty 112-102 road victory over the Washington Wizards on Friday. Following their 43-point blowout on opening night, the Raptors faced a tougher challenge at Capital One Arena. However, they held firm down the stretch to improve to 2-0 in the 2026-27 NBA season. Rajaković praised his team’s resilience after the game. He emphasized the importance of finding ways to win when shots are not falling consistently.
"The fight in finding a way to win tonight was very important."
Darko Rajaković speaks to the media following the Raptors' 112-102 win over the Wizards. pic.twitter.com/1iJxGCZhrX
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“The fight in finding a way to win tonight was very important,” he told reporters.
Toronto backed up that mentality with a commanding performance inside. The Raptors outrebounded Washington 53-40, grabbed 19 offensive boards, and outscored the Wizards 52-32 in the paint. Scottie Barnes led the way with 28 points, 14 rebounds, and five assists. RJ Barrett contributed 23 points and nine rebounds. Kawhi Leonard added 16 points, nine boards, and three steals in 28 minutes. Toronto also received a major lift from its bench. Collin Murray-Boyles finished plus-21, and Ja’Kobe Walter posted a plus-19. The victory showcased Rajaković’s ability to adapt his approach and keep his team composed when the game turned into a physical grind.
Rajaković enters his fourth season as Toronto’s head coach with a fresh multi-year extension and renewed expectations. His high-movement offensive system produced a 43-point opening-night rout of Chicago. Friday’s performance, though, showed the Raptors can also prevail through rebounding, defense, and second-chance opportunities. Rajaković has Toronto off to an encouraging start. They now face another early test against Anthony Edwards and the Minnesota Timberwolves on Sunday.
Related: Kawhi Leonard sounds off on Raptors’ historic season opener